Italy striker Mario Balotelli has completed his £16m move to Liverpool from Serie A side AC Milan.
The former Manchester City player, 24, agreed a long-term deal with the Merseyside outfit but will not feature against his old club on Monday night.
“This transfer represents outstanding value for the club and I think we have done a really smart piece of business here,” said Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.
Balotelli, who will wear the number 45 shirt, said he had made an error leaving England in January 2013.
“I’m happy to be back because I left England and it was a mistake,” he said. “I wanted to go to Italy, but I realised it was a mistake.”
Balotelli will watch Liverpool’s game at City from the directors’ box after meeting up with his new team-mates in the changing rooms before the match. After the game, he will travel back to Liverpool on the team coach.
“There is no doubting Mario’s ability,” added Rodgers. “He is a world-class talent and someone who, for such a young age, has vast experience of playing at the very highest level.
“He has scored goals in the Barclays Premier League, in Italy, in the Champions League and for his country at international level.
“I believe we have the infrastructure, culture and environment to get the best out of him and help him achieve his true potential.
“We are a strong group here, committed to hard work and he will benefit from being around it. I am looking forward to working with him and helping him learn more, improve and progress as a player.
“I’m sure the supporters will make him feel very welcome.”
Liverpool are understood to have sought assurances from Balotelli, who has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances for his country, about his commitment and off-field behaviour.
He is a controversial figure, who has fallen out with previous managers and got into scrapes off the pitch but Rodgers insisted before the deal was done that any player he signs will not be a disruptive influence.
“I’m happy to be here,” said Balotelli. “Liverpool are one of the best teams here in England and the football is very good here. It’s a great team with young players and that’s why I came here.”
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